5 Spirited Graphic Novels Perfect for a Spooky Halloween Read

Get ready to curl up with something deliciously eerie—because Halloween doesn’t have to mean a full-on horror marathon. Whether you’re flipping through these under the glow of a pumpkin lantern or in the shadow of a creaky house, these five graphic novels bring in a chilling breeze of spook-and-soul suited for the season.

Top Five Spooky Graphic Novels

1.) “Through the Woods” by Emily  Carroll

Leading off on the list of the top 5 spooky graphic novels is “Through the Woods” by Emily Carroll. In this haunting collection of five short stories, each tale leads you into a forest of unexplained dread, where the boundaries between fairy tale and nightmare blur. Carroll’s art blends lush, dark tones and minimalist scares—the kind where what isn’t shown becomes far more unsettling. One reviewer called it “a collection of horror comics … each on the edge of a horrible, horrible woods.” If you’re in the mood for something more atmospheric than outright gore, this is your path into the woods.

2.) “Anya’s Ghost” by Vera Brosgol

Teen high-school angst meets spectral chill in this smart, spooky story. According to a preview on Goodreads:

“Of all the things Anya expected to find at the bottom of an old well, a new friend was not one of them. Especially not a new friend who’s been dead for a century. Falling down a well is bad enough, but Anya’s normal life might actually be worse. She’s embarrassed by her family, self-conscious about her body, and she’s pretty much given up on fitting in at school. A new friend—even a ghost—is just what she needs. Or so she thinks.”

This one mixes identity, belonging, and supernatural tension in a way that’s both fun and haunting—a great “creepy with heart” pick.

3.) “Something Is Killing the Children” by James Tynion IV & Werther Dell’Edera

And now we step into darker territory: in the seemingly quiet town of Archer’s Peak, children are disappearing—and something monstrous lurks just out of sight. A masked woman named Erica Slaughter shows up to fight the unseen horrors that adults deny. This one is not for the faint of heart. It’s raw, intense, creepy, and perfect for the late-night read when you want serious chills.

4.) “Sheets” by Brenna Thummler

Ghosts, laundromats, and teenage grief? Yes, and somehow it works. Thirteen-year-old Marjorie Glatt runs her family’s laundry business while feeling invisible—and then Wendell, a boy ghost wrapped in a sheet, enters the scene. Together, they navigate loss and belonging in a quietly eerie way. It’s gentler than #3, more bittersweet than bone-chilling—but still full of supernatural atmosphere. Great if you want something spooky but also heart-rich.

5.) “The Witch Boy” by Molly Knox Ostertag

Number 5 on the list of the top spooky graphic novels includes magic, shapeshifting, identity, and the rules of a mystical family: in this story, boys are raised to shapeshift and girls to be witches—until 13-year-old Aster starts breaking the mold. In a preview from Molly Knox Ostertag’s official site:

“But Aster can’t seem to get the hang of shapeshifting. Instead, he spends his time spying on the witchery lessons the girls are getting. He seems to have a knack for casting spells and wants to know more, but the only person he can share his growing gift with is Charlie, a girl from the non-magical side of town. Then, during a night of shapeshifting practice, one of the boys goes missing. Aster knows he can search for the boy with the witchcraft he’s been secretly learning. Could breaking his family’s most important tradition save the day—or ruin everything?”

While it isn’t heavy on horror, it brings a spooky, magical vibe—perfect for Halloween if you’d rather lean toward enchantment than terror.

Final Thoughts on these Spooky Graphic Novels

This list of spooky graphic novels gives you a range: from the eerie and unsettling woods (#1), to ghostly and coming-of-age (#2 & #4), to full-on monster horror (#3), to whimsical magical identity (#5). Pick the mood you’re feeling—or binge them all and ride the full range of October chills. Happy haunting—and happy reading! 🎃